CM Sukhu Steps Up Legal Battle to Safeguard Himachal’s Rights, Resources and Revenue.
State Government Intensifies Efforts to Secure BBMB Dues, Power Share, Chandigarh Assets and Shanan Project; Major Gains in Wild Flower Hall and Karcham-Wangtoo Cases.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken a series of decisive initiatives to safeguard the rights, resources and financial interests of Himachal Pradesh, ensuring strong legal representation in several long-pending matters involving the State. Under his leadership, the State Government has intensified its efforts to secure Himachal Pradesh’s legitimate claims over financial dues, power generation, land and assets, as well as major hydroelectric projects.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government would continue to pursue every legitimate claim through appropriate legal and constitutional forums and would not compromise on the interests of Himachal Pradesh.
One of the key issues being pursued by the State Government is the recovery of approximately Rs. 4,200 crore in outstanding financial dues from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Himachal Pradesh is also seeking its rightful share of 13,066 million units of electricity. Despite a Supreme Court judgment delivered in favour of the State nearly 15 years ago, the full entitlement has yet to be realised. The State Government has been consistently raising the matter before the concerned authorities and pursuing all available legal avenues to secure its dues.
Another major issue being vigorously pursued is Himachal Pradesh’s claim to a 7.19 per cent share in the land and assets of Chandigarh under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. The State Government has maintained that Himachal Pradesh is legally entitled to its share, and the Supreme Court has also upheld the validity of the State’s claim in the matter.
Shanan Project Remains a Major Priority
The Shanan Hydroelectric Project is another important matter being pursued by the State Government. Despite the expiry of the lease period, the Punjab Government has not yet handed over the project to Himachal Pradesh. The Sukhu Government has taken up the issue at various levels and is strongly pursuing the State’s claim. The matter is currently under consideration before the Supreme Court.
The Chief Minister has maintained that the State cannot afford to allow its legitimate rights over its resources to remain unresolved and that every possible legal and administrative mechanism will be utilised to protect Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
Wild Flower Hall Case Brings Major Legal Victory
Under Chief Minister Sukhu’s leadership, the State Government also achieved a significant victory in the long-pending Wild Flower Hall case, which had remained under litigation since 2002.
By presenting strong facts and evidence before the court, the State Government succeeded in securing a historic judgment in favour of Himachal Pradesh. Following the Supreme Court’s order, the property has reverted to the control of the State Government.
In accordance with the court’s judgment, the State Government paid Rs. 25 crore, following which the property has become a significant source of revenue for Himachal Pradesh. It is now generating more than Rs. 20 crore annually for the State.
Karcham-Wangtoo Power Share Increased from 12% to 18%
The State Government has also secured a major success in the royalty dispute concerning the 1,045 MW Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Himachal Pradesh’s share of free power from the project has been increased from 12 per cent to 18 per cent. The enhanced entitlement is expected to generate approximately Rs. 150 crore in additional annual revenue for the State.
The decision is being viewed as an important step towards protecting Himachal Pradesh’s interests in the utilisation of its hydroelectric resources and ensuring that the State receives an appropriate return from projects located within its territory.
Kishau Project: CM Rejects Rs. 800 Crore Settlement
The Chief Minister has also taken a firm stand on the Kishau Multipurpose Project, estimated to cost around Rs. 15,000 crore.
The previous BJP government had agreed to accept Rs. 800 crore as Himachal Pradesh’s share in the project. Chief Minister Sukhu, however, rejected the proposal and insisted that the State’s interests must be protected through a more equitable arrangement.
Following sustained efforts by the State Government, the Government of India has, in principle, agreed that the beneficiary States of Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana would bear the estimated Rs. 2,000 crore cost towards Himachal Pradesh’s share of the water component.
The proposed 422 MW Kishau project, to be constructed on the Tons river along the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, is expected to provide Himachal Pradesh with nearly 100 crore units of electricity as its share of the power component. This power entitlement is estimated to have an annual value of approximately Rs. 600 crore.
Government Focused on Protecting State’s Long-Term Interests
The State Government’s proactive legal approach in these matters reflects its stated commitment to protecting Himachal Pradesh’s long-term economic and resource interests. The government has been pursuing matters relating to financial dues, water and power rights, land and assets, hydroelectric projects and revenue generation through sustained legal and administrative efforts.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the interests of Himachal Pradesh would always remain paramount for his government.
“I will never compromise on the interests of Himachal Pradesh. The welfare of the State and its people will always remain my highest priority,” the Chief Minister said.
The government has reiterated that it will continue to pursue the State’s legitimate claims before the courts and appropriate forums and take all necessary steps to ensure that Himachal Pradesh receives its rightful share of its resources, assets and revenues.
